Services
Valley Radiologists is proud to offer comprehensive state-of-the-art imaging programs and expert radiologists for women’s imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, neuroradioligc imaging, oncologic imaging and state of the art Interventional radiology. Feel confident that while Valley Radiologists provides the best in medical imaging services and interpretation, we always have our patient’s care and comfort in mind. For more information about Valley Radiologists imaging capabilities or if you wish to refer a patient or schedule an appointment, please call 623-847-2000.
Here are some of the state-of-the-art exams performed at Valley Radiologists:
- Digital X-Ray & Fluoroscopy
- Digital Mammography with Computer-Assisted Detection (CAD)
- Bone Density Scans (DXA)
- Ultrasound
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
- Interventional Radiology
Digital X-Ray & Fluoroscopy
These days, X-ray imaging can be acquired directly into digital format, skipping the film and film processing. Digital X-rays therefore take less time, though that’s not their only or most important advantage. Because they are computer-based, digital X-rays can be viewed with greater ease and flexibility, which helps the radiologist interpret them accurately. Also, digital X-rays are acquired with less radiation exposure. Flouroscopy is basically an X-ray movie, which enables our radiologists to “see” inside the body in real time. This is particularly useful for guiding certain diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Digital Mammography with Computer-Assisted Detection (CAD)
Mammography, an X-ray based imaging modality, is now also digital. As a result, it leads to faster image acquisition, lower radiation exposure and greater flexibility and detail during the radiologist’s review. Computer-assisted detection (CAD) uses sophisticated software to “evaluate” certain aspects of the mammogram and provide additional information. CAD can improve early detection of breast cancers by 20% or more, which is key to early treatment and survivability.
Bone Density Scans (DXA)
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) uses X-rays to measure the density of your bone structure. It determines the density of your bone mineral by evaluating the degree to which it absorbs X-ray energy. It is the standard test for evaluating for the presence and risk of osteoporosis, which is the loss of bone mass.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses soundwaves, much like sonar, to “see” inside the body in real time. Because different tissues of the body have different resistance to the ultrasonic soundwaves, they create different shades and areas of contrast. The resulting images make it possible for our board-certified radiologists to see structural problems that may indicate disease or injury. Ultrasound is well-suited for guiding invasive procedures and for evaluating conditions “live.”
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography (CT) consists of an X-ray emitter and camera that spin around the body, taking tiny, highly precise X-ray images. In effect, the images are acquired in “slices”, making it possible to create three-dimensional images of certain organs or structures. In addition, today’s CT scanners acquire multiple slices at once, reducing exposure to X-rays while multiplying the level of detail of the images. CT is one of the most flexible and effective imaging modalities available in modern medicine and is used to evaluate many different areas of anatomy, including the lungs, colon, coronary arteries, coronary plaque build-up and much more.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radiowaves and magnetics to obtain highly detailed images of the inside of the body. It is an extremely important imaging tool, particularly for diagnosing injury or disease of the musculoskeletal system. MRI sends radiowaves into tissues and creates a large magnetic field. Images are created by computer analysis of how the frequencies and magnetics behave in different types of tissue. MRI today is both powerful and flexible, and our radiologists use it in a variety of new ways. These include cardiac MRI, MRI of the peripheral vasculature, breast MRI and more.
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) are actually two different medical imaging modalities combined. CT, once known mainly as “CAT scan,” consists of an X-ray camera that spins around the body. As it does this, it acquires tiny, highly detailed images of your anatomy. PET, on the other hand, uses radioisotopes that bind with certain cell types to identify areas of specific biochemical reaction. Combined PET/CT, therefore, makes it possible to see anatomic structure and metabolic activity. As a result, our radiologists can “see” certain problems that may not yet be visible with CT alone.
Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology is a subset of radiology that involves minimally invasive “interventions” that are guided by medical imaging modalities, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy. The fellowship-trained, board-certified interventional radiologists at Valley Radiologists perform a wide variety of procedures, some of them diagnostic and many of them therapeutic. Because the techniques are minimally invasive, risks, discomfort, scarring and recovery times are reduced.